The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be an electrifying event, set to unfold on Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Slated for an 8 p.m. ET start, this year's Derby introduces an updated format that amps up the competition, ensuring an evening packed with intensity and excitement for baseball fans around the globe.
In what is anticipated to be a thrilling first round, all eight participants will compete against each other, each given a window of three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches, with one timeout allowed. This new format aims to level the playing field and heighten the competitive atmosphere from the get-go. Ultimately, the four players who hit the most home runs in the opening round will advance to the semifinals, determined by their impressive home run totals.
If a tie arises, the decision will hinge on the longest home run hit, adding another layer of suspense to the event. Participants will have the opportunity to earn three bonus outs once the initial time or pitch limit is reached. A noteworthy aspect of this edition is the provision for a fourth bonus out, granted to players hitting a 425-foot home run during the bonus period.
Semifinals and Final Round
Progressing to the semifinal round, the four advancing sluggers will be seeded based on their first-round performance, with the top seed facing the fourth seed and the second seed battling the third. The rules remain consistent, maintaining the three-minute or 40-pitch restriction with one timeout. The stakes, however, are notably higher as players inch closer to the coveted title.
The tension reaches its peak in the final round, where the limit is reduced to two minutes or 27 pitches, retaining the single timeout rule. The player who emerges with the most home runs in this ultimate showdown will be crowned the 2024 Home Run Derby champion.
Notable Participants and Absentees
All eyes will be on the defending champion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as he returns to defend his title. Adding to the excitement, Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles is set to make his debut in the Derby, a development eagerly anticipated by Orioles fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation from the Los Angeles Angels, has expressed interest in participating, though his involvement hinges on multiple approvals. "I have to get an offer (to participate) first," Ohtani stated. "I'm also rehabilitating, so I need the doctor's approval and the trainers' approval and the team's approval. Of course I have feelings of wanting to do it. I think any player would. I think it depends on how it lines up with the other parts."
Some prominent names have decided to sit this one out. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, known for his prodigious power, has opted not to participate. "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment," Alvarez remarked, shedding light on his decision. Similarly, Aaron Judge won’t be stepping into the Derby spotlight, noting he might only consider returning if the All-Star Game is hosted in New York.
The updates and changes to the format are set to breathe new life into this fan-favorite event. As Globe Life Field prepares to host this spectacular contest, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises to deliver unforgettable moments, showcasing raw power, precision, and the thrill of competition that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.